US woman swallows wedding ring in sleep

Washington: A US woman has undergone a surgery after removing and swallowing her engagement ring in her sleep due to a nightmare in which she and her fiancé were on a speeding train and she was forced to swallow the ring to protect it from “bad guys”. Jenna Evans, 29, woke at her home in California to realize the episode had been a dream, but saw her diamond ring was missing last week. Evans underwent a surgery, but said she was asked to sign release forms in case of her death. IANS

Solomon Islands breaks ties with Taiwan for China

Taipei: The Solomon Islands' government has cut official ties with Taiwan in a new blow to President Tsai Ing-wen, who is seeking re-election in January amid rising tension with China. Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu told reporters in Taipei late on Monday that it would immediately close down its embassy in the Solomon Islands and recall all of its diplomats. Reuters

Volkswagen to pay $87 million for Australia scandal

Sydney: Volkswagen has agreed to pay up to USD 87.3 million to settle multiple class action suits brought by Australian motorists over a diesel emission cheating scandal, parties' lawyers said on Monday. Owners of about 1,00,000 cars will be able to seek compensation under the terms of the in-principle agreement, which the automaker has agreed to without admitting liability and must still be approved by the Federal Court. AFP